Archive for November 2009

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• 29 November 2009
  Tacktick launch new Entry Level electronics range at Mets 2009
  

  Whether replacing existing instruments or installing for the first time, Tacktick’s Entry Level instruments offer simple installation, with easy set up calibration. There is no need for complex wiring, as the data is wirelessly transmitted around the boat. The displays can be quickly fitted with simple 12v power supplies and can be self-installed saving considerable installation costs.

  The Entry Level displays offer large 38mm readouts, backlighting for night sailing and are completely waterproof to 10m ensuring no condensation.

  A number of Entry Level systems are available including a retrofit option for those who already have the relevant Airmar tranducers installed; an Entry Level Depth System and an Entry Level Speed System and a combined Entry Level Speed and Depth System with two displays.

  The Entry Level Wind system which was launched earlier in 2009 includes the display and wireless wind transmitter.

  For more information and full pricing information visit www.tacktick.com . The website includes a configurator function which will design the perfect wireless electronics system for your boat.

• 21 November 2009
  SES Congratulates FLIR on METS Win
  

  Ships Electronic Services (SES) UK distributor for FLIR Systems, has congratulated the company on its new M-626L Series Thermal Night Vision System which has been announced as the overall DAME AWARD winner at METS in Amsterdam this week. The judges were impressed by the unit’s sleek design, Ethernet capability, and ease of installation, stating that the unit provides user satisfaction beyond anything currently on the market. Even in total darkness the captain of a vessel can see channel markers, other boats, people in the water and the shore line from greater distances and clarity than ever before.

  The M-626L system incorporates a micro-lux, low-light camera for improved visibility during twilight hours and a 26-degree field of view – an improvement of 25% over previous cameras. The unit is operated with a remote joystick which can be located anywhere on the vessel.

  SES has worked with FLIR, the premier manufacturer of thermal imaging equipment, for some years. SES Managing Director, Stephen Roper commented, “This is a remarkable piece of equipment and we are delighted it has been recognised as such at METS. The M-626L will provide a significant contribution to safety and security at sea for those vessels which install it. As the UK distributor and service agent for FLIR we are able to offer the M-626L to our many OEM customers with immediate effect and anticipate a high level of installations for 2010.”

  The FLIR M-626L Series Thermal Night Vision System won both the Electronics equipment of the show category and the overall DAME Award for best new product.

• 21 November 2009
  C A Clase is rewarded at KVH Distributor Awards
  

  One of the UK’s leading distributors of marine electronics for leisure and commercial users, C A Clase, has received two prestigious awards from KVH on Monday 16th November at the company’s annual distributor awards. The two awards recognised C A Clase for achieving the largest total turnover in Europe, as well as selling the most TracVision systems in Europe for 2009.

  “We are extremely pleased and honoured to win not only one but two KVH Europe distributor awards. We are now in our 10th year of selling KVH TracVision products and are particularly proud to be recognised for our sales success in 2009 despite the current market situation. The popularity of the TracVision systems not only demonstrates the quality of the product but also the high level of service that we believe is a key reason why customers continue to return to both the KVH and C A Clase brands,” comments Andrew Bush, Managing Director, CA Clase UK Ltd.

  The KVH TracVision systems allow yachts to benefit from high quality satellite television from any destination. KVH were one of the initial manufactures to pioneer the first modern digital satellite television system and has continued to develop the most easy to use and reliable products in the industry. The TracVision systems are available in a range of sizes for use on board a variety of ships. Prices start from £2169.56 for the TracVision M2.

  Based in Hampshire, C A Clase is the sole distributor of the KVH product range in the UK. For more information on C A Clase and the KVH TracVision range, please visit www.caclase.co.uk

• 20 November 2009
  New ANT200 From Digital Yacht!
  

  Digital Yacht have expanded their range of AIS products with the world’s first, fully self contained, Smart AIS antenna.  The SmarterTrack ANT200 incorporates a highly sensitive dual channel AIS receiver into a waterproof antenna housing no bigger than a traditional GPS antenna.  Simply connect the power and interface connections to any compatible AIS plotter (such as those from Raymarine, Standard Horizon, Garmin, Furuno, Lowrance etc) and you’ll be presented with an overlay of AIS targets directly onto your plotter screen.  All commercial ships over 300 GRT have a mandatory requirement to carry a Class A transponder – sending and receiving AIS data which includes position, identity and course information.  Leisure users can also opt for a more simplified Class B transponder if they wish to transmit as well as receive their position information.  The SmarterTrack ANT200 will decode both types of transmission

  The innovative SmarterTrack ANT200 fits a standard 1″ threaded deck or rail mount base and comes complete with 10 metre cable.  The interface connections are via a traditional 2 wire NMEA 0183 connection and the product can also act as a multiplexer taking an input of NMEA data and combining it into one single output.  This could be particularly useful on multi-function displays.

  Priced at £159.00 + VAT the product is available now. 

  Further details are available at www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 20 November 2009
  NAUTICOMP LAUNCHES INFINITY II AND INFINITY PRO
  

  Nauticomp is launching the Infinity II and Infinity PRO display screens at METS 2009. Combining cutting-edge display technology with an easy to use interface, the new Nauticomp Infinity II and Infinity PRO CCFL and LED display screens provide customers with high quality, reliable operation in an affordable, flexible and stylish package.

  Infinity II: 
  The technologically advanced Nauticomp Infinity II series incorporates an extensive range of easy to use features. Both Infinity II models can accommodate up to three sources, with picture in picture (PIP) mode enabling all to be displayed on the same screen simultaneously. The Infinity II series also includes Nauticomp’s famous dim-to-red technology, providing exceptional night viewing. Furthermore, the unit’s slim design enables users to install a larger display into a more confined area, which is ideal for yachts that may have space and weight restrictions.

  The Infinity II is available in 15″ or 19″ CCFL or LED backlight models. Prices start from £2686.78 excluding VAT (UK RRP) for 15″ CCFL display and £3275.99 excluding VAT (UK RRP) for 15″ LED backlight display.  

  Infinity PRO:
  Housing the industry’s largest screen in the smallest chassis frame, Nauticomp’s Infinity PRO display screens have been designed to provide high quality and versatile solutions for a clean looking pilothouse. The Infinity PRO incorporates a multitude of features including dim-to-red, picture in picture (PIP) and scalable resolution for superior image. Furthermore, all functions can be easily accessed via the unit’s compact external keypad which enables users to quickly switch between inputs as well as between auto and manual input selection.

  The Infinity PRO is available in 15″ and 19″ LCD and LED backlight models.
  Prices start from £2928.36 excluding VAT (UK RRP) for 15″ LCD and £3517.57 excluding VAT (UK RRP) for 15″ LED backlight display.

  Infinity IIT & Infinity PRO Summary of features
  * Multiple inputs – DVI, VGA & Composite (Optional Extra)
  * Sunlight readable – ready for all environments * Bonded Glass – optically enhanced for clarity
  * Picture in Picture – designed to display all inputs (Optional Extra)
  * Waterproof – built to stringent IP67 standards
  * Extended temperature range – longer life, more reliable
  * Superior image – scalable resolution up to SXGA

• 20 November 2009
  Simrad Yachting launches best in class Multi functional devices for performance, safety and pleasure
  

  Simrad Yachting has launched its NSE series of multifunctional devices (MFDs). Offering a market-leading level of robust construction, operational simplicity and performance module integration, the NSE8 and NSE12 are 8-inch and 12-inch marine electronic displays incorporating ‘best in class’radar, chart plotter and echo sounder technology.

  “We have developed a system that gives boaters the best performance, an incredibly intuitive user interface and industry leading expansion capabilities, in an attractively styled multifunctional display,” said Mike Fargo, Simrad’s Product Line Director at Navico. “Designed with the highest quality for the ultimate in dependability, it is truly the industries best of breed. The units are ideal for yachtsmen, power boaters and fishing enthusiasts, who demand only the best in marine electronics, and are equally at home at the helm of a luxury yacht or in a workboat cockpit.”

  The Simrad NSE8 and Simrad NSE12 are easy to install and to use, straight out of the box, and incorporate everything necessary to navigate with embedded cartography of exceptionally high quality. All NSE series systems purchased in Europe are fully loaded with award winning Navionics Platinum cartography, with seamless chart detail, satellite photos and 3D imaging.

  The versatile Simrad NSE displays combine leading technologies from sister brands within Navico, with Simrad Yachting’s uncompromising quality; the quick touch direct access key operation is perhaps the best example of this. The result is a smart new menu-driven user interface that includes specific modes designed to maximise functionality and accessibility for professional and recreational boaters.

  A rotary controller with logical push-to-enter selection provides control of menus as well as important functions like gain and zoom. An intuitive alphanumeric keypad offers quick and easy data entry and waypoint management.

  Each model also features Simrad’s SunViewTM technology, which uses innovative LED backlighting to produce the brightest screens available on the market, resulting in crystal clear, high resolution imagery. A panel of independent judges recently voted the NSE LCDs ‘best performer’ in terms of contrast, whiter whites, blacker blacks, and less colour shift when viewing at angles. LED technology also provides consistent, long lasting performance.

  The Simrad NSE series also offers compatibility with some of the most powerful technological marine innovations available, including the award winning BR24 Broadband Radar, the HD Digital Radar, the BSM-1 Broadband Sonar Module and the GS15 High Speed 5Hz GPS antenna. Mike Fargo continued: “Simrad Yachting have raised the bar in navigation and GPS technology with the NSE8 and NSE12. The new suite of MFD’s has been designed for quality and performance, integrating ‘best in class’ technology at every level.”

  For more information on the Simrad NSE series multifunction displays, compatible options or the entire line of Simrad Yachting branded professional-grade marine electronics, please visit www.simradyachting.com.

• 20 November 2009
  A world ‘first’ – a chart plotter with built-in AIS receiver
  

  Digital Yacht have launched a new range of waterproof 5″ chart plotters which includes the world’s first Chart Plotter with built-in dual channel high performance AIS receiver. The new SmarterChart 500 range comprises a dedicated 5″ chart plotter, a combination chart plotter sounder with built-in high performance dual frequency fishfinder and the unique combination chart plotter and AIS receiver.

  Previous generations of chart plotters generally required a separate AIS black box receiver to yield this functionality, but the SmarterChart range incorporate the technology inside which makes installation significantly easier with no complicated interfacing required. This effectively allows the unit to become a multi-function navigation device, overlaying the details of all ships and yachts equipped with AIS transponders, directly onto the chart plotter display.

  All of the SmarterChart range are compatible with the latest C-Map MAX charting and all incorporate the very latest high sensitivity built in 50 channel GPS with optional external antenna versions also available.  AIS functionality just requires the addition of a VHF antenna and there’s a simple plug-in BNC connection on the rear of the unit to facilitate this.  Digital Yacht also offer a range of AIS-VHF antenna splitters so that the main VHF antenna can be used for both VHF DSC and AIS. 

  SmarterChart boasts all of the latest C Map Max features such as weather overlays through the C-Forecast system, satellite data imagery, animated buoys and lights, perspective 3-D view and waypoint or route transfer to a PC using the popular C Map PC Planner software.  The unit has been made surprisingly easy to use thanks to the use of soft keys and all systems feature a clear 320 x 240 pixel sunlight viewable colour display.

  There is no compromise on the AIS receiver technology that’s utilised, with the SmarterChart 500 incorporating a true dual channel receiver – simultaneously picking up both AIS frequencies to ensure the best possible target tracking. 

  An AIS Class A transponder is now mandatory on all ships over 300GRT and essentially it sends the ship’s position, course, speed and identity to other vessels within the vicinity.  Transmission is over standard VHF frequencies so range is typically up to around 50 miles.  The system greatly reduces the risk of collision as well as allowing yachtsmen to identify ships, establish voice contact and see their position overlaid on to a chart plotter, together with a closest point of approach calculation.

  The basic SmarterChart 500 range will be available in December 2009. Prices start from £349 plus VAT.

  Further details are available at www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 20 November 2009
  Lowrance Debuts World’s First Fish and Structure Imaging Sonar With Full Panoramic Viewing
  

  Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics, has previewed its next-generation sonar technology, the LSS-1 StructureScan™ sonar imaging module for Lowrance High Definition Systems (HDS), at ICAST 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

  The revolutionary new sonar, which will be officially launched in Europe later in 2009, will raise the bar in fish-finding technology. The sonar-imaging module is the world’s first to offer anglers a new dimension in underwater picture-like displays – side-to-side plus straight down, full panoramic viewing.
   
  The innovative Lowrance StructureScan features a combination of SideScan and an exclusive new DownScan Imaging™ technology. The new DownScan Imaging feature allows anglers, for the first time, to see submerged detail directly beneath their boats, providing a complete underwater picture in a screen format that is easy to interpret.

  Ground breaking features will offer anglers the option to merge Lowrance side and down sonar scans in split-screen to view wide-area surveys and highly-defined detail. The LSS-1 delivers the highest underwater definition ever achieved with crystal-clear views in shallow and deep, freshwater or saltwater – even at speeds up to 30 mph.

  “The new StructureScan sonar-imaging module is another revolutionary step forward in sport fishing marine electronics from Lowrance,” said Lowrance’s Vice President of Product Management, Greg Konig. “Offering never-before-seen underwater detail, the sonar module is the first and only wide-coverage sonar solution that also delivers a total underwater panoramic picture – so anglers won’t miss a thing. Combine this new structure- and fish-finding tool with additional cutting-edge features available with Lowrance’s HDS displays, such as built-in, award-winning 2D Broadband Sounder™, Navionics compatibility with Turboview™, award-winning Broadband Radar™ and the results are truly amazing.”

  The LSS-1 can also network with the new BR24 Broadband Radar via Ethernet and will feature the best in class cartography and mapping technology, ensuring the ultimate in quality and functionality as standard

  Price & Availability:
  The new Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging module, exclusive for HDS displays, will be available for purchase from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout Europe from November 2009. Details of pricing, availability and further product details will follow.

  For more information about Lowrance and its entire product line, please visit www.lowrance.com.

• 20 November 2009
  MASTERVOLT ACQUIRES ELECTRIC PROPULSION SPECIALIST, BELLMANN
  

  Mastervolt  has acquired the electrical propulsion company, Bellmann. Dutch-based Bellmann is widely regarded as a leading player in the market for complete electrical propulsion systems, and has been producing dedicated electrical drives for boats since 2002.

  The products include drives ranging from 1kW to 20kW complete with matching shafts and propellers, along with control panels and switching gear. The expertise of Bellmann’s  Marien Schoonen and Fred Bellis is well known in electric boating circles throughout Europe.

  Combining Bellmann’s innovations with those of Mastervolt now provides a completely integrated package for the boating market. Mastervolt specialise in total power management systems, vital for the efficient use of electric and hybrid drives. It also developed the award-winning 24-volt Lithium-Ion marine battery.

  Bellmann’s drives and expertise will be integrated immediately into Mastervolt’s dynamic development programme, which has just completed a product-wide review to ensure its own range of chargers, generators and Masterbus systems is fully ‘hybrid ready.’

  ‘For many boatyards, it is a logical step to move to electric propulsion,’ said Paul Kenninck, Mastervolt’s CEO. ‘Some yards are experimenting with the new technologies, but don’t have a contact with enough all-round knowledge. Mastervolt’s strategy has always been to offer complete solutions, and with the acquisition of Bellmann, we can now offer everything needed for a complete hybrid or dedicated electrical drive system, whatever its configuration.’

  These configurations can vary from a simple battery-powered electric drive recharged from the mains, to a fully managed hybrid-drive that can be recharged from a free-wheeling propeller when the boat is under sail. Some yards are now testing electric ‘pod’ drives powered by a generator, which can be placed anywhere aboard, giving designers much more freedom with internal layouts.

  Remarking on the future for electric propulsion, Paul Kenninck said, ‘There is no doubt that – just like hybrid cars – the market for electrified boats will take off, and the stakes are high for the marine industry. The million-dollar question is how long will it take – years or decades? At Mastervolt, we think it will be just a few years, thanks to rapidly increasing customer interest and innovations aimed at reducing costs. With the acquisition of Bellmann, we will be at the cutting edge of integrated power systems to make electric drives as efficient as possible, both in terms of installation, and of use.’

• 20 November 2009
  Raymarine supplies marine electronics for Geoff Holt’s Impossible Dream Atlantic Challenge
  

  Raymarine  has supplied essential navigation, communication and safety equipment for Geoff Holt’s Atlantic Challenge.  The first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain in 2007, quadriplegic yachtsman Geoff Holt is now embarking on the yacht Impossible Dream with the intention to sail the yacht single-handed across the Atlantic, accompanied by his carer, and a camera man.

  Geoff says, “There are four main cornerstones to the success of this project.  The first is having a boat which is designed for sailing by a disabled person in a wheelchair, the second is my ability to actually sail that boat, the third is having the physical care I need personally to manage the journey, and last, but by no means least, it’s having the latest electronic technology to enable me to navigate across the Atlantic.  Thanks to Raymarine I now have that essential cornerstone in place.”

  The 60 feet, 18 metre catamaran Impossible Dream was custom designed and built specifically to be used by a disabled wheelchair user. Working with Raymarine, Geoff specified the equipment required to ensure he has all the essential navigation, communications and safety products on board for his voyage. 

  As well as giving vital information such as where he is and where he is heading, as well as wind, weather and sea conditions, Geoff required electronic products that could be easily operated either by remote control or using wheel controls – essential for Geoff who has limited hand movement and no fine finger movement.

  “The whole integrated electronics package is vital,” explains Geoff, “it’s like having your car sat nav on, but instead of just seeing your position overlaid on a small map, you get to see every other boat nearby, and even their course and heading, all on a screen the size of a TV.  It’s my knowledge centre enabling me to make the decisions about the route to take, the hazards to avoid, the tides I need to help me, and the weather data to keep me sailing safely.”

  At the heart of this knowledge centre are the C Series Widescreen multifunction displays.  Numerous data collection points – from the top of the mast, to receivers fitted in the hull of the boat – receive and send information which is computed and displayed on the C140 screens.  Together with overlaid information from the radar, electronic maps, and the AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceiver which shows other vessels in the area, this provides Geoff with up to the minute information required.
   
  The information shown on the C140 is so vital that Geoff will be sleeping adjacent to the main nav centre, so he can see, assess and alter his course without even having to move from his bunk in an emergency.  Two additional nav stations using ST70+ repeaters and C90 Widescreen displays have been set up on deck, one on the port side and one on starboard, so Geoff can control the boat easily from his wheelchair depending on which side of the catamaran he chooses to steer from whilst out on deck. 

  Also fitted on board is a Raymarine autopilot. Geoff says that despite being used to sailing smaller boats where he has to keep control at all times, the autopilot is an essential luxury for a transatlantic crossing.  “I can set the autopilot to maintain a course easily using the wheel control.  But if I am out on deck or elsewhere on the boat, I can quickly and easily change or alter course using the SmartController wireless remote control, without having to physically move.”

  For ship to ship, and ship to shore communications, Geoff is using a Raymarine VHF/DSC radio, with a three station set up, enabling him to send and receive calls both on deck and from the main saloon.

  Finally, as safety is a key issue in such a challenging environment, Geoff, his carer and cameraman, will be equipped with a Raymarine LifeTag Man Overboard System.  The small wireless tags are easily worn or carried by the crew, and if someone falls overboard, the base station sets off a loud alarm.  The man overboard position is then automatically displayed on the C Series Widescreen displays, enabling the crew to set course and return to the exact position at which the alarm was generated.

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